It’s not through might or power but by my Spirit

It’s not through might or power but by my Spirit

Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit – Zechariah 4:6

Zechariah 4:6-10

 6 This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies.

 7 Nothing, not even a mighty mountain, will stand in Zerubbabel’s way; it will become a level plain before him! And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the Temple in place, the people will shout: “May God bless it! May God bless it!”

 8 Then another message came to me from the LORD:

 9 “Zerubbabel is the one who laid the foundation of this Temple, and he will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Heaven’s Armies has sent me.

 10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin, to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel’s hand.”

Successful construction projects commence with a feasibility study. This preliminary investigation is undertaken to answer critical questions: Is the project viable? What resources will be needed to accomplish it, etc.?

Next, a project leader is appointed who will oversee the entire process. This stage involves meticulous planning, considering all aspects of the project, from resource allocation to timeline establishment. Following this, the procurement process begins. This involves sourcing and acquiring all necessary materials and services required for the construction project.

A remnant of the people of Israel had returned from Babylon after 70 years of captivity. The people had selfishly focused on rebuilding their homes but left God’s house in ruins. Their priorities were upside down. The Lord assigned Haggai and Zechariah to stir up the people to rebuild his temple. Jeshua, the high priest, Zerubbabel, the governor, and the few that returned were stirred into action.

Haggai 1:14 So the LORD sparked the enthusiasm of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the enthusiasm of Jeshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the enthusiasm of the whole remnant of God’s people. They began to work on the house of their God.

While they were focused and motivated, the task at hand was egregious. A cursory feasibility study revealed that the undertaking was extremely difficult, seemingly impossible. The rebuilding project was so challenging it was demoralizing.   

Imagine for a moment and put yourself in their place. In the face of overwhelming odds, how would you feel? How could so few with so little accomplish so much? It would take a miracle! That is precisely what the Father promised. His servants, the prophets Haggai and Zechariah, delivered His encouraging message of empowerment. Don’t be downcast or intimidated! “The Spirit of God will enable us to do what an army could never do!” (Wiersbe).

Haggai promised, “My Spirit remains among you . . .. So do not be afraid” (Haggai 2:5).

Zechariah added, “It is not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies” (Zechariah 4:6).

They were instructed to redirect their attention, moving away from the obstacles and towards the empowering guidance and strength of the Holy Spirit.

All children of the King have been provided with similar encouragement when facing difficult circumstances. The Lord Jesus Christ boldly promised peace and overcoming strength.

John 16:33 I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

REFLECT & PRAY

John 15:4-5

 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me.

 5 Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.

Father You have called me into Your service; encourage me to do Your work in Your way: Not by my might nor power, but by Your Spirit.

INSIGHT

Zechariah 4:6 Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.

The Hebrew of this verse is very succinct. It does not have a subject or any verbs The Hebrew word translated as might is hayil. Hayil is a general word for human resources, such as physical strength, ability, expertise, training, or wealth. It emphasizes what people can do together. It often refers to military might, but the remnant had no army.

The Hebrew word for power is koah. Koah refers to the strength of an individual. It often refers to mere human strength: physical, material, and mental strength (McGee).

“It will not be by your cleverness, your ability, or your physical strength that the temple will be rebuilt, but by the Spirit of God” (McGee).

“Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit” is an elliptical sentence. This terse promise becomes somewhat of a motto, a guiding principle for the children of the King during daunting and challenging times. If we were to complete the ellipsis, we might formulate the statement: “If success is to be gained in the achievements of the people of God, and it will not be secured by what man can do but by the Spirit’s work” (Constable).

J Vernon McGee accomplished a great deal in his lifetime in service of the Father. How did he do it? He unequivocally states,

“But God does not carry on His work by the human instrument. It is ‘not by might nor by power’; it is not by brain nor by brawn, but it is ‘by my spirit, saith the LORD.’”

“Let me be personal and very frank. Anything that Vernon McGee does in the flesh that is, by his own effort, God hates. He can’t use it. It will come to nothing because there is nothing in the world but Vernon McGee building a haystack, which ultimately is going to be consumed by fire. God wants to do His work through us, by the power of the Holy Spirit. This is important for us to see” (McGee).

It’s a disheartening reality that many children of the King do not attempt to do His work in His ways. As a result, their endeavors often lead to frustration and failure.

There are two fundamental strategies for undertaking the work of the Father.

First, it can be performed in the flesh, relying on human strength. This equates to depending on personal influence, training, gifts, talents, natural resources, education, life experiences, etc.

The second approach is to perform it through the leading and power of the Holy Spirit. This is the Father’s way.

When we engage in the Father’s work in His way, the unmistakable imprint of the Holy Spirit will be evident. There is often a mystique surrounding it. It somehow bears the inexplicable fingerprints of God. The outcome, divinely influenced, surpasses the sum of its parts. “People will know that what has happened can never be repeated simply by bringing the right components together” (Stanley).

Our willingness to do what the Father asks is far more important than what we actually accomplish.

Zechariah 4:10 Do not despise these small beginnings, for the LORD rejoices to see the work begin . . ..

We put His kingdom and will first; He accomplishes His purpose through us.

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© Dr. H 2024